"Because of the [girls' soccer] matches we play, I have met many new friends from areas outside my village. I say to my family that I am the example of gender equality because I go to play matches all over Bunyakiri."

The time for debate is over -- the LRA has already carried out 53 attacks this year, is responsible for the displacement 445,000 civilians and continues to operate freely in the border area between Congo, Central African Republic, Sudan, and South Sudan.

We condemn the actions of Joseph Kony; and at the same time, emphasize the need for attention on the other important issues there -- like malaria, access to clean water, and nodding disease, which ails thousands of children.

While the United States is supporting efforts to apprehend LRA leader Joseph Kony, it must also ensure that other armed groups and governments in the region cease recruiting child soldiers and help rehabilitate the children who are already soldiers.